Calling it a much-needed boost for seniors, state Rep. Tom Caltagirone, D-Berks, and state Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, announced Feb. 22 a $150,000 grant to the Berks Encore Senior Community Center.
“I’m very appreciative to Gov. Tom Wolf for his approval of this grant and the benefits it will have for seniors in the Reading area,” Caltagirone said. “Berks Encore has looked out for our seniors for over 50 years and this grant funding will go a long way toward helping them continue their valuable programs and outreach.”
“Berks Encore has built an excellent reputation as a go-to center for our seniors,” Schwank said. “This funding will help them enhance their facilities.”
The Senior Community Center Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, aims to provide funding to senior community centers around the state for enhancement to increase participation and programming, attract a new generation of older adults and enable senior community centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for participants.
There are more than 500 senior community centers across the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, and these grants are designed to help centers increase participation and provide innovative programs that attract a new generation of older Pennsylvanians. Grants range in size from $5,000 to a maximum of $150,000.
For more information on senior community centers, visit aging.pa.gov.